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We're in that funny in-between moment. It's still pretty darn cold outside (some people even have lots of snow!) and we know in our minds that winter isn't through with us yet. At the same time, we begin to see glimpses of spring. We want to lighten things up, but we still need something warming and a bit hearty to keep us going after a long day -- enter two wintry vegan comfort foods. Gena Hamshaw's lentil shepherd's pie tiptoes down that line, and an indulgent avocado chocolate mousse pushes the meal into pretty exciting territory.

The Menu

Click through on the recipe photos or titles to see (and save and print) the full recipes, but we've also written you a handy grocery list and game plan below.

1. We admit, this shepherd's pie is a little bit of work. But, it'll be ready in just a little over an hour, and it makes a lot! You'll have dinner tonight and then some, we promise. Anyway, tackle the shepherd's pie in the order that Gena Hamshaw lays out (mash potatoes and parsnips, cook lentils, layer, bake) and you'll have no trouble.

2. You deserve a treat after all that! Whip up the mousse, which comes together in the blender in no time flat, and kick back with a big bowlful of chocolatey reward.

I love Champagne and cheese and potato chips. In fact, that would be the most dreamtastic dinner. I have two cats and I am a proud Portlander-by-birth currently residing on Manhattan's rich and wonderful Lower East Side in a closet that has no closets. In May I finished up a masters degree in Food Studies at NYU and now I am trying to figure out exactly why I did that and what that all means. It is very fun and scary but mostly fun. I like to cook and I love to bake.